(31) (31) [Pharaoh] said, "Then bring it, if you should be of the truthful."

(32) (32) So [Moses] threw his staff, and suddenly it was a serpent manifest.[1048]

[1048]- i.e., clearly genuine.

(33) (33) And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white for the observers.

(34) (34) [Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician.

(35) (35) He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?"

(36) (36) They said, "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers

(37) (37) Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician."

(38) (38) So the magicians were assembled for the appointment of a well-known day.[1049]

[1049]- i.e., the morning of the day of festival. See 20:58-59.

(39) (39) And it was said to the people, "Will you congregate.

(40) (40) That we might follow the magicians if they are the predominant?"

(41) (41) And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?"

(42) (42) He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]."

(43) (43) Moses said to them, "Throw whatever you will throw."

(44) (44) So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant."

(45) (45) Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it devoured what they falsified.

(46) (46) So the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allāh].

(47) (47) They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds,

(48) (48) The Lord of Moses and Aaron."

(49) (49) [Pharaoh] said, "You believed him [i.e., Moses] before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all."

(50) (50) They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return.

(51) (51) Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers."

(52) (52) And We inspired to Moses, "Travel by night with My servants; indeed, you will be pursued."

(53) (53) Then Pharaoh sent among the cities gatherers[1050]

[1050]- Recruiters of an army to prevent the emigration of the Children of Israel.

(54) (54) [And said], "Indeed, those are but a small band,

(55) (55) And indeed, they are enraging us,

(56) (56) And indeed, we are a cautious society..."

(57) (57) So We removed them from gardens and springs

(58) (58) And treasures and honorable station[1051] -

[1051]- Allāh (Subḥānahu wa ta‘ālā) caused them to abandon their wealth and property in pursuit of the Israelites.

(59) (59) Thus. And We caused to inherit it the Children of Israel.

(60) (60) So they pursued them at sunrise.

(61) (61) And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Moses said, "Indeed, we are to be overtaken!"